Overview
- Helmet-cam footage posted Feb. 26 shows Carson Schmidt and Eric Masuda uncovering an upside-down skier between KT-22 and Olympic Lady on Feb. 18.
- The rescuers first cleared the man’s face as he gasped for air, with Schmidt saying the snow was so deep and soft that struggling only sank him further.
- Schmidt says the man, who did not share his name, declined ski patrol help and was able to ski away to look for his wife.
- Palisades Tahoe recorded about 44 inches of new snow the morning of Feb. 18 after closing the prior day for the storm, and the resort thanked the pair while urging the buddy system and proper gear.
- The rescue video spread widely online as the region confronted recent fatalities from a separate Castle Peak avalanche, heightening focus on mountain safety.